Jazz Greats Captured On Tape

Several jazz artists will be reaching a wider audience than ever before, thanks to a new series of cassettes heading for video stores and, eventually, cable TV.

Jazz at the Smithsonian, recorded during 1981 and '82, features one-hour programs with such artists as Alberta Hunter, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and Joe Williams.

Each concert tape includes conversations with the artist and retails for $29.95. Two new titles will be released each month, with the series to be aired on a still-to-be-selected cable service next fall.